Green Dot review: Greendot reloadable

Purchased a reloadable debit card over a week ago and loaded it with $450. Couldn't activate it from any of my devices, and couldn't get any customer assistance since my card wasn't activated yet. Finally was able to somehow activate it on a friend's device, with no observable difference in activate process other than their device, rather than my phone or PC.

After activating, tried to purchase something from a local store, and card was declined whether I used it for debit or credit. I go home and try to verify my identity with a US issued Driver's License and it's declined. Because it was declined, I can't even log into the app it just bounces me out of the app now. No options to reattempt verification or anything. Purchases online and in person are still being declined.

Was finally able to talk to someone a few days after who merely said I was supposed to receive an email that day about reverification. Never arrived. It's been several days later, and of course now I can't get a hold of anyone over the phone. Since loading, I've also been charged a maintenance fee. Looks like their strategy is hold your money hostage until they've drained it via maintenance fees. If this assumption is incorrect, unlock my card for purchases or reimburse me.